You can go skating just about anywhere in Finland, on lakes or on one of many indoor and outdoor rinks. Some people are playing ice hockey; young couples are skating hand in hand. Or you can go ice trekking across great distances. There is even a popular outdoor skating rink in the Helsinki Railway Station Square, right in the city center.

Long-distance skating allows you to combine the joy of skating, the thrill of speed and changing scenery. Every winter the world's best marathon skaters gather in Kuopio in eastern Finland to compete on the natural ice track on Lake Kallavesi. The Finland Ice Marathon, arranged since 1984, attracts thousands of recreational skaters as well as a large audience.

It is usually safe to take to the ice alone, but a guided skating trip will help you to get more out of the experience. You can rent skating equipment. Depending on the weather conditions, the skating season might begin at the end of October and last until April. The best season is January-March.